Absorbent article with philic anhydrous lotion

ABSTRACT

A lotion composition is provided. The lotion composition can comprise a) about 0.1% to about 90%, by weight, of a microcrystalline wax; b) about 0.1% to about 25%, by weight, of POE-4 monolaurate; c) about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight, of POE-8 monostearate; and d) a carrier.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/391,353, filed Oct. 8, 2010.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates to absorbent articles, includingcatamenial devices, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, for theabsorption of menses. More particularly, the present invention relatesto catamenial devices comprising a lotion composition comprising arheology structurant and surface energy modifiers, wherein the lotioncomposition is applied to an outer surface of the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, andcatamenial devices, having lotioned topsheets are known. Lotions ofdifferent types are known to provide various skin benefits, such asprevention or treatment of skin rash. These lotions can be applied tothe topsheet of absorbent articles, for example, and can be transferredto the skin of the wearer during use.

Unlike many types of disposable absorbent articles, catamenial devices,such as pads and pantiliners, are specifically designed to acquiremenstrual fluid. Menstrual fluid differs from other exudates, such asurine, in many important properties, such as viscosity, solids, chemicalconstituents, and/or color content. Therefore, catamenial devices differfrom other absorbent articles, like baby diapers, in their structuralcomponents to optimize the absorption of menstrual fluid.

Treatments to the bodyside surface of the topsheet of absorbent productsprovide skin health benefits and allow a fluid, such as urine or menses,to be absorbed into the absorbent product. Skin health benefits mayinclude a reduced direct contamination by body fluids in contact withthe body surface and/or delivery of ingredients to improve skinfunction, i.e., skin barrier. Nonetheless, these treatments are known toimpede the acquisition of body fluids and strategies have been designedto position these treatments on regions of the bodyside surface of thetopsheet to minimize their effect on fluid acquisition.

Treatments of the bodyside surface of the topsheet of feminine hygieneproducts also have been proposed to provide skin health benefits, andsimilarly treatment deployment generally is performed to minimize thehindrance of menstrual fluid acquisition. Nonetheless, topsheettreatments often become ineffective after repeated assaults of bodyfluids due to deposition of blood cells or other soils on the topsheetsurface. In addition, the treatment sometimes provokes negative productfailure signals to the user of feminine hygiene product, including theappearance of a dirty or soiled topsheet and/or negative odors. Thistype of treatment on a topsheet may provide a compromised skin healthbenefit and an unacceptable appearance of a used feminine hygieneproduct.

It would be beneficial therefore to provide a treatment for femininehygiene articles that facilitates migration of menstrual fluid away fromthe body and through the topsheet into the absorbent core of thearticle.

Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a treatment for femininehygiene articles that enables migration of a fluid, such as menstrualfluid, in a controlled fashion.

Further, it would be beneficial to provide a treatment for femininehygiene articles that facilitates a fluid, such as menstrual fluid,being moved in a manner that enhances the perceived cleanliness of boththe topsheet and the skin of the wearer, especially after multipleassaults of a body fluid.

It also would be beneficial to provide a treatment for feminine hygienearticles that resists fouling of the topsheet and the skin of the wearerof the articles by proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates present inmenses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A lotion composition is provided. The lotion composition can comprise a)about 0.1% to about 90%, by weight, of a microcrystalline wax; b) about0.1% to about 25%, by weight, of POE-4 monolaurate; c) about 0.1% toabout 50%, by weight, of POE-8 monostearate; and d) a carrier.

Also provided is a lotion composition comprising a) about 17%, byweight, microcrystalline wax; b) about 8%, by weight, POE-4 monolaurate;c) about 10%, by weight, POE-8 monostearate; and d) petrolatum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, itis believed that the invention can be more readily understood from thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a representative catamenial device.

FIGS. 2 a, b, and c show a plot of IR absorbance vs. time showing thereduced protein fouling achieved by a present lotion composition or acommercially used lotion.

FIGS. 3 a, b, and c show a plot of IR absorbance vs. time showing thereduced carbohydrate fouling achieved by a present lotion composition ora commercially used lotion.

FIGS. 4 a, b, and c show a plot of IR absorbance vs. time showing thereduced lipid fouling achieved by a present lotion composition or acommercially used lotion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to lotion compositions and toabsorbent articles, particularly disposable absorbent articles, having alotion treatment composition applied thereon. Disposable absorbentarticles can be baby diapers or feminine hygiene articles, includingincontinence devices and catamenial products, such as tampons, sanitarynapkins, pantiliners, interlabial products, and the like. Forconvenience, the invention is disclosed below with respect to theembodiment of a catamenial device, such as a sanitary napkin orpantiliner.

FIG. 1 shows a sanitary napkin 10, e.g., having a body-contactingsurface 12 comprising an outer surface of a topsheet 14, a liquidimpervious backsheet 16 joined to the topsheet 14, and an absorbent core18. The sanitary napkin 10 has a longitudinal axis L and also may beprovided with additional features commonly found in napkins, including“wings” or “flaps” 20 as is known in the art, and/or a secondarytopsheet, and/or a fluid acquisition layer, and/or other layers designedto promote fluid transport to absorbent core 18. Likewise, topsheet 14of the sanitary napkin can have various optional characteristics, as isknown in the art. For example, topsheet 14 can have one or more ofchannels embossed therein to direct fluid flow, apertures therethroughto aid in fluid acquisition, and printed signals visible on or through,the visible signals being printed on the topsheet or underlying layersfor functional and esthetic properties. Sanitary napkin 10 has a lotioncomposition applied thereto.

The absorbent article can comprise any known or otherwise effectivetopsheet, such as one which is compliant, soft feeling, andnon-irritating to the body of the wearer. Suitable topsheet materialsinclude a liquid pervious material that is oriented towards and contactsthe body of the wearer, thereby permitting body discharges to rapidlypenetrate through the topsheet without allowing fluid to flow backthrough the topsheet to the skin of the wearer. The topsheet, whilecapable of allowing rapid transfer of fluid through it, also providesfor the transfer or migration of the lotion composition onto an externalor internal portion of a body of the wearer. A suitable topsheet can bemade of various materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials;apertured film materials including apertured formed thermoplastic films,apertured plastic films, and fiber-entangled apertured films;hydro-formed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams;reticulated thermoplastic films; thermoplastic scrims; or combinationsthereof, as is well known in the art of making catamenial products suchas sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence pads, and the like.

When the topsheet comprises a nonwoven fibrous material in the form of anonwoven web, the nonwoven web may be produced by any known procedurefor making nonwoven webs, nonlimiting examples of which includespunbonding, carding, wet-laid, air-laid, meltblown, needle-punching,mechanical entangling, thermo-mechanical entangling, andhydroentangling.

The absorbent article topsheet can be any suitable topsheet, such as,for example, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,629,643; 7,172,801;7,270,861; 7,410,683; 7,507,459; 7,521,588; 7,553,532; 7,648,752;7,670,665; 7,718,243; 7,732,657; and 7,785,690.

A catamenial device of the present invention can also comprise abacksheet. The backsheet can be any known or otherwise effectivebacksheet material, provided that the backsheet prevents externalleakage of exudates absorbed and contained in the catamenial device.Flexible materials suitable for use as the backsheet include, but arenot limited to, woven and nonwoven materials, laminated tissue,polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene and/orpolypropylene, composite materials such as a film-coated nonwovenmaterial, or combinations thereof, as is well known in the art of makingcatamenial products, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinencepads, and the like.

The catamenial device also comprises an absorbent core. The absorbentcore is typically positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Asused herein, the term “absorbent core” refers to a material orcombination of materials suitable for absorbing, distributing, andstoring aqueous fluids such as urine, blood, menses, and water found inbody exudates. The size and shape of the absorbent core can be alteredto meet absorbent capacity requirements, and to provide comfort to thewearer/user. The absorbent core suitable for use in the presentinvention can be any liquid absorbent material known in the art for usein absorbent articles, provided that the liquid absorbent material canbe configured or constructed to meet absorbent capacity requirements.Nonlimiting examples of liquid absorbent materials suitable for use asthe absorbent core include comminuted wood pulp, which is generallyreferred to as airfelt; creped cellulose wadding; absorbent gellingmaterials including superabsorbent polymers, such as hydrogel-formingpolymeric gelling agents; chemically stiffened, modified, orcross-linked cellulose fibers; meltblown polymers including coform;synthetic fibers including crimped polyester fibers; tissue includingtissue wraps and tissue laminates; capillary channel fibers; absorbentfoams; absorbent sponges; synthetic staple fibers; peat moss; or anyequivalent material; or combinations thereof, as is well known in theart of making catamenial products such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners,incontinence pads, and the like.

A catamenial device of the present invention comprises a lotioncomposition 22, wherein the lotion composition comprises a rheologystructurant and a surface energy modifier. Lotion composition 22 can beapplied in any known manner, in any known pattern, and to topsheet 14,including, for example, to the outer surface (i.e., body facing surface)of topsheet 14, such as, for example, as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,426,444 and 7,626,073; and U.S. Patent Appln. Nos. 2005/0137544 and2006/0135920. For example, in certain embodiments, the lotioncomposition can be applied to an entire surface of the absorbentarticle, such as the topsheet, or to portions thereof, either uniformlyor non-uniformly, such as in patches, swirls, stripes, bands, or alongthe outer edges, or any combination thereof.

By “non-uniform” it is meant that the amount, location, pattern ofdistribution, etc. of the lotion composition can vary over the topsheetsurface. For example, some portions of the treated surface of thetopsheet can have greater or lesser amounts of lotion composition,including portions of the surface that do not have any lotioncomposition on it. In certain embodiments, the surface of the topsheetwill have regions where no lotion is applied, particularly in areas ofthe topsheet that correspond to the crotch region of the article. Inthose embodiments where the topsheet comprises discrete, untreatedregions, the percent open area of the region of the topsheet thatcorresponds to the crotch region of the article can be any suitablesize.

Where the lotion is applied nonuniformly, any lotion pattern may beutilized, including, for example, application of small droplets(obtained via, e.g., spraying) discrete dots (obtained via, e.g.,gravure printing), stripes that run in the longitudinal or lateraldirection of the article, etc. In addition, or alternatively, the lotioncomposition can be disposed near channels or embossed areas when presentin the absorbent article. With respect to applying the lotioncomposition to the outer surface (i.e., body facing surface) of thetopsheet, it is believed that the lotion composition helps reduce theadherence of solid components of body fluids, such as menses, to theouter surface of the topsheet, thereby resulting in less staining on thetopsheet of the absorbent article. Applying the lotion to the topsheetalso enables transfer of a portion of the lotion to the skin of thewearer, resulting in less fouling of the skin of the wearer. The lotioncomposition as applied to the outer surface of the topsheet also canhelp to provide a more efficient acquisition of body fluids into theabsorbent article.

The lotion composition can be applied at varying add-on levels,depending on the desired fluid handling properties and desired treatmentof the skin of the wearer. For example, in certain embodiments involvingcatamenial devices, the amount of lotion can be variable, and can betailored for specific needs. For example, while not being bound bytheory, it is believed that lotion can be added on at levels of about0.01 grams per square meter (“gsm”), about 0.05 gsm, about 0.1 gsm,about 0.5, about 1 gsm, about 2 gsm, about 3 gsm, about 4 gsm, about 5gsm, about 10 gsm, about 25 gsm, about 50 gsm, or about 100 gsm. Thelotion can be applied within a range defined by any of the levelsrecited above (e.g., from about 0.01 gsm to about 100 gsm). These levelsrefer to the area of the surface actually covered by lotion. In certainembodiments, the minimum level of the lotion composition to be appliedto a component of the catamenial device can be an amount effective forreducing the adherence of menses to that component.

Lotion composition 22 of the present invention offers significantadvantages over known lotions. The advantage is particularly importantfor catamenial articles for absorbing menses. Without being bound by anytheory, it is believed that the superior fluid handling properties ofthe lotion disclosed herein is due to how the lotion acts on the solidcomponents of menses, as opposed to surface energy treatments which acton the water component of menses. Known surface energy treatments can beless effective due to the presence of polar and dispersive components inmenses, which complicate the effectiveness of surface energy treatments.Furthermore, the surface energy of the treated surfaces can often shiftdramatically after the first contact with menses if the treatmentcomposition contains components that induce the solid components ofmenses to adhere and orient on its surface to reach lower free energy.Because the lotions disclosed herein are not readily soluble in menses,they can effectively coat surfaces without dissolving in menses afterrepeated insults to provide a hydrated barrier, and because they resistthe adhesion of solid components of body fluids, thereby render themenses less prone to fouling surfaces of the disposable absorbentarticle and the skin of the wearer. Less fouling of the skin of thewearer and/or the topsheet results in better and faster fluid movement,and less visible stain patterns on used products.

In one embodiment, topsheet 14 can be hydrophilic or renderedhydrophilic, and the lotion can be hydrophilic. The levels ofhydrophilicity or hydrophobicity can be determined by standardtechniques, such as measuring angles that a drop of water make on asurface of material at equilibrium. In general, for the purposes of thisinvention, a material is considered hydrophilic when a drop of waterexhibits an angle of about 60 degrees or less. Fibers are consideredhydrophilic when film sheets formed from the polymers of the fibersexhibit contact angles with water less than 60 degrees, more less than75 degrees, and less than about 90 degrees. Contact angles as a measureof hydrophilicity are well known in the art, and methods for measuringcontact angles are equally well known. As also is well known, contactangles greater than about 90 degrees are considered hydrophobic.

A lotion composition of the present invention comprises at least onerheology structurant, which typically is a solid. The lotion compositioncan further comprise other optional ingredients, like surface energymodifiers.

A “rheology structurant” is a material that helps immobilize lotioningredients on the topsheet and impede migration through the topsheetinto the absorbent core. If the lotion migrates to the absorbent core,the absorption properties of the core decrease, and more lotion must beapplied to the topsheet in order to obtain a beneficial effect. Therheology structurant can also assist in transfer of a portion of thelotion to the skin and delivers target sensory at wearing. Typically, arheology structurant rapidly solidifies on the topsheet afterapplication of the lotion.

The rheology structurant can be provided in an amount of about 0.1% to90%, by weight of the lotion composition. In a preferred embodiment, thelotion compositions comprise about 1% to about 50% of a rheologystructurant, by weight of the lotion composition. In a more preferredembodiment, lotion compositions comprise about 3% to about 30%, of arheology structurant, by weight of the lotion composition.

A preferred rheology structurant used in a present lotion compositioncomprises microcrystalline wax.

In addition to a rheology structurant, in certain embodiments, thelotion composition comprises surface energy modifiers. One suitablesurface energy modifier is POE-4 monolaurate, i.e., a polyoxyethyleneester of lauric acid, wherein the polyoxyethylene moiety contains anaverage of four ethylene oxide units. POE-4 monolaurate has a structure

wherein n has an average value of 4.

In certain embodiments, the POE-4 monolaurate can be present in thelotion in an amount of 0.1% to about 25%, and preferably about 1% toabout 20%, by weight, of the lotion. More preferably, the POE-4monolaurate is present in an amount of about 2% to about 12%, by weight,of the lotion composition.

In certain embodiments, the lotion composition can also comprise POE-8monostearate as a second surface energy modifier. POE-8 monostearate isa polyoxyethylene ester of stearic acid containing an average of eightethylene oxide units, and having a structure

wherein p has an average value of 8.

The POE-8 monostearate can be present in the lotion in an amount ofabout 0.1% to about 50%, and preferably about 1% to about 30%, byweight, of the lotion. More preferably, the POE-8 monostearate ispresent in an amount of about 3% to about 15%, by weight, of the lotioncomposition.

Without being bound by any theory, it is thought that the combination ofPOE-4 monolaurate and POE-8 monostearate can provide a rapid transfer ofa relatively mobile portion of the lotion to the skin of the wearerresulting in a film on the skin that resists dissolving in menses andprotects the skin from fouling. The combination of POE-4 monolaurate andPOE-8 monostearate with rheology structurant such as microcrystallinewax can also provide a relatively immobile portion of the lotion thatremains on the topsheet to facilitate migration of the menses throughthe topsheet and absorption of the menses by the absorbent core, whichhelps prevent fouling of the top sheet by the menses for the entire timethe absorbent article is used by the wearer.

In addition to the rheology structurant and surface energy modifiers,lotion compositions of the present invention optionally can furthercomprise one or more body treatment agents, for example hexamidine, zincoxide, and niacinamide, which are highly effective in the prevention andtreatment of erythema, malodor, and bacterial skin disorders, especiallywhen a lotion composition is administered to the body from applicationon absorbent articles. Additional body treatment agents are disclosed inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0129651.

Lotions compositions of the present invention also can includeadditional optional components known to persons skilled in the art oflotions for catamenial devices. One such optional ingredient is a fumedsilica to adjust lotion viscosity and thickness to a desired level.Additional viscosity and thickening agents are disclosed in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2005/0129651. Other optional ingredients includeglycerin, chamomile, skin conditioners, perfumes, deodorants,preservatives, astringents, opacifiers, proteins, urea, lecithin, fats,oils, essential oils, pH control agents, and antibacterials, each in anamount to perform its intended function without adversely affecting thelotion composition, e.g., about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of thelotion composition.

Lotion compositions of the present invention further comprise a carrier.The carrier can be an individual carrier or a blend two or more ofcarriers, provided that the total carrier concentration is sufficient toprovide transfer and/or migration of the rheology structurant, surfaceenergy modifiers, and/or optional body treatment agents onto the bodyand to promote fluid acquisition into the absorbent article withoutcausing fouling issues. The carrier can be a liquid, solid, or semisolidcarrier material, or a mixture of these materials, provided that theresultant carrier forms a homogenous mixture, solution, stable emulsion,or stable dispersion at selected processing temperatures for theresultant carrier system and at processing temperatures for combiningthe carrier system with the skin treatment agents, surface energymodifiers and rheology structurants in formulating the lotioncompositions herein. The preferred carrier system would enable thefinished lotion to be semi-solid or solid at ambient, liquid orsemi-solid at body temperature and liquid with processible viscosity at60-90 C.

The lotion compositions of the present invention comprise a carrier inan amount of about 5% to about 95%, preferably about 10% to about 85%,more preferably from about 30% to about 80%, by weight of the lotioncomposition. Suitable carrier compounds include petroleum-basedhydrocarbons having from about 8 to about 32 carbon atoms, fattyalcohols having from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms, polysiloxanecompounds, fatty acid esters, alkyl ethoxylates, lower alcohols havingfrom about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms, low molecular weight glycols andpolyols, fatty alcohol ethers having from about 12 to about 22 carbonatoms in their fatty chain, lanolin and its derivatives, ethylene glycolderivatives of C₁₂-C₂₂ fatty acids, glyceride and its derivativesincluding acetoglycerides and ethoxylated glycerides of C₁₂-C₁₈ fattyacids, and mixtures thereof. Alternatively or in combination with, thecarrier also may comprise polysiloxane compounds non-limiting examplesinclude C₁₂-C₂₈ alkyl dimethicones, C₁₂-C₂₈ alkyl methicones, alkylatedsilicones (hair conditioning agents), silicone waxes, copolymers ofsilicone (vinyl dimethicone polymers, phenyl vinyl dimethicone polymers,alkylated silicone polymers, polyethylene oxide/silicone copolymers,polyethylene oxide/polypropolene oxide/silicone copolymers,polypropylene oxide/silicone copolymers, polyethylene oxide/alkylsilicone copolymers, polyethylene oxide/propylene oxide/alkyl siliconecopolymers, polypropylene oxide/alkyl silicone copolymers), and mixturesthereof.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable petroleum-based hydrocarbons havingfrom about 8 to about 32 carbon atoms include mineral oil, petrolatum,isoparaffins, various other branched chained hydrocarbons, andcombinations thereof. Mineral oil is also known as “liquid petrolatum”,and usually refers to less viscous mixtures of hydrocarbons having fromabout 16 to about 20 carbon atoms. Petrolatum is also known as “mineralwax”, “petroleum jelly”, and “mineral jelly”, and usually refers tosemicrystalline mixtures of hydrocarbons having from about 16 to about32 carbon atoms. An example of commercially available petrolatum includepetrolatum sold as white PROTOPET®-1S, available from the SonnebornCorporation.

Other suitable carriers include oils or fats, such as natural oils orfats, or natural oil or fat derivatives, in particular of plant oranimal origin. Non-limiting examples include avocado oil, apricot oil,apricot kernel oil, babassu oil, borage oil, borage seed oil, calendulaoil, camellia oil, canola oil, carrot oil, cashew nut oil, castor oil,chamomile oil, cherry pit oil, chia oil, coconut oil, cod liver oil,corn oil, corn germ oil, cottonseed oil, eucalyptus oil, eveningprimrose oil, grape seed oil, hazelnut oil, jojoba oil, juniper oil,kernel oil, linseed oil, macadamia oil, meadowfoam seed oil, menhadenoil, mink oil, moring a oil, mortierella oil, olive oil, palm oil, palmkernel oil, peanut oil, peach kernel oil, rapeseed oil, rose hip oil,safflower oil, sandlewood oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil,sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, tall oil, tea tree oil, turnipseed oil, walnut oil, wheat germ oil, zadoary oil, or the hardenedderivatives thereof. Hardened oils or fats from vegetal origin caninclude, e.g. hardened castor oil, peanut oil, soya oil, turnip seedoil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, kernel oil, linseed oil,corn oil, olive oil, sesame oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconutoil.

Other non-limiting examples of fats and oils include: butter, C₁₂-C₁₈fatty acid triglyceride, camellia oil, caprylic/capric/laurictriglyceride, caprylic/capric/linoleic triglyceride,caprylic/capric/stearic triglyceride, caprylic/capric triglyceride,cocoa butter, egg oil, epoxidized soybean oil, glyceryl triacetylhydroxystearate, glyceryl triacetyl ricinoleate, glycosphingolipids,human placental lipids, hybrid safflower oil, hybrid sunflower seed oil,hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil laurate, hydrogenatedcoconut oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated C₁₂-C₁₈triglycerides, hydrogenated fish oil, hydrogenated lard, hydrogenatedmenhaden oil, hydrogenated mink oil, hydrogenated orange roughy oil,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated peanutoil, hydrogenated shark liver oil, hydrogenated soybean oil,hydrogenated tallow, hydrogenated vegetable oil, lanolin and lanolinderivatives, lanolin alcohol, lard, lauric/palmitic/oleic triglyceride,lesquerella oil, maleated soybean oil, meadowfoam oil, neatsfoot oil,oleic/linoleic triglyceride, oleic/palmitic/lauric/myristic/linoleictriglyceride, oleostearine, olive husk oil, omental lipids, orangeroughy oil, pengawar djambi oil, pentadesma butter, phospholipids,pistachio nut oil, placental lipids, rapeseed oil, rice bran oil, sharkliver oil, shea butter, sphingolipids, tallow, tribehenin, tricaprin,tricaprylin, triheptanoin, trihydroxymethoxystearin, trihydroxystearin,triisononanoin, triisostearin, trilaurin, trilinolein, trilinolenin,trimyristin, trioctanoin, triolein, tripalmitin, trisebacin, tristearin,triundecanoin, vegetable oil, wheat bran lipids, and the like, as wellas mixtures thereof.

Other suitable carriers include mono- or di-glycerides, such as thosederived from saturated or unsaturated, linear or branch chained,substituted or unsubstituted fatty acids or fatty acid mixtures.Examples of mono- or diglycerides include mono- or di-C₁₂₋₁₈ fatty acidglycerides, specifically mono- or di-C₁₄₋₁₈ fatty acid glycerides, forexample glyceryl monomyristate, glyceryl dimyristate, glycerylmonopalmitate and glyceryl dipalmitate.

Carriers can also include esters of linear or branched, saturated orunsaturated C₆-C₂₂-fatty acids with diol or polyols. Non-limitingexamples include ethylene glycol monomyristate, ethylene glycoldimyristate, ethylene glycol palmitate, ethylene glycol dipalmitate,ethylene glycol di(hydroxylstearate), glyceryl dimyristate, glyceryltrimyristate, glyceryl dipalmitate, glyceryl tripalmitate, glyceryltri(hydroxystearate), sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan dimyristate,sorbitan trimyristate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitantrioleate, sorbitan monoricinoleate, sorbitan diricinoleate, sorbitantriricinoleate, sorbitan di(hydroxystearate), sorbitantri(hydroxystearate), sucrose monomyristate, sucrose dimyristate,sucrose trimyristate, sucrose tetramyristate, sucrose monopalmitate,sucrose dipalmitate, sucrose tripalmitate, sucrose tetrapalmitate,sucrose tetraoleate, pentaerythrityl dimyristate, pentaerythrityltrimyristate, pentaerythrityl tetramyristate, pentaerythrityldipalmitate, pentaerythrityl tripalmitate, pentaerythrityltetrapalmitate, as well as mixtures thereof.

The carrier of the present invention can also include sterols,phytosterols, and sterol derivatives. Sterols and sterol derivativesthat can be used in the lotion compositions of the invention include,but are not limited to: β-sterols having a tail on the 17 position andhaving no polar groups for example, cholesterol, sitosterol,stigmasterol, and ergosterol, as well as, C₁₀-C₃₀ cholesterol/lanosterolesters, cholecalciferol, cholesteryl hydroxystearate, cholesterylisostearate, cholesteryl stearate, 7-dehydrocholesterol,dihydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesteryl octyldecanoate,dihydrolanosterol, dihydrolanosteryl octyldecanoate, ergocalciferol,tall oil sterol, soy sterol acetate, lanasterol, soy sterol, avocadosterols, “AVOCADIN” (trade name of Croda Ltd of Parsippany, N.J.),sterol esters and similar compounds, as well as mixtures thereof. Acommercially available example of phytosterol is GENEROL 122 N PRLrefined soy sterol from Cognis Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable fatty alcohols having from about 12 toabout 18 carbon atoms include saturated, unsubstituted, monohydricalcohols or combinations thereof, which have a melting point less thanabout 110° C., preferably from about 45° C. to about 90° C. Specificexamples of fatty alcohol carriers for use in the lotion compositions ofthe present invention include, but are not limited to, cetyl alcohol,stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. Examples ofcommercially available cetearyl alcohol is STENOL 1822, which isavailable from the Cognis Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable fatty acid esters include those fattyacid esters derived from a mixture of saturated (C₁₂-C₂₈ preferablyC₁₆-C₂₄) fatty acids and short chain (C₁-C₈, preferably C₁-C₃)monohydric alcohols, a mixture of C₁₂-C₂₂ hydroxyfatty acid and shortchain (C₁-C₈, preferably C₁-C₃) monohydric alcohols, a mixture ofsaturated (C₁₂-C₂₈ preferably C₁₆-C₂₄) fatty acids and unsaturated(C₃-C₁₈ preferably C₈-C₁₈) monohydric alcohols, or a mixture of C₁₂-C₂₂hydroxyfatty acids and unsaturated (C₃-C₁₈ preferably C₈-C₁₈) monohydricalcohols. Suitable fatty acid esters can also be derived from esters oflonger chain saturated (C₁₂-C₂₈, preferably C₁₄-C₂₂) fatty alcohols andshorter chain fatty acids such as lactic acid, or from esters of longerchain saturated fatty alcohols (C₁₂-C₂₈, preferably C₁₄-C₂₂) andunsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid. Representative examples ofsuitable fatty acid esters include methyl palmitate, methyl stearate,methyl hydroxystearate, methyl isostearate, isopropyl myristate,isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate,isopropyl hydroxystearate, ethylhexyl myristate, ethylhexyl palmitate,ethylhexyl stearare, ethylhexyl isosterate, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate,stearyl heptanoate, stearyl octanoate, myristyl oleate, myristylricinoleate, cetyl oleate, cetyl ricinoleate, stearyl oleate, stearylricinoleate, isostearyl oleate, isostearyl ricinoleate, oleyl myristate,oleyl palmitate, oleyl stearate, oleyl isostearate, oleyl behenate,oleyl erucate, behenyl oleate, behenyl ricinoleate, myristyl lactate,cetyl lactate, stearyl lactate, isostearyl lactate and mixtures thereof.

Nonlimiting examples of suitable alkyl ethoxylates or alkyl propoxylatesinclude C₁₂-C₂₂ fatty alcohol ether ethoxylates having an average degreeof ethoxylation of from about 1 to about 20 or C₁₂-C₂₂ fatty alcoholether propoxylates having an average degree of propoxylation of fromabout 1 to about 20. Nonlimiting examples of suitable alkyl ethoxylatesand alkyl propoxylates include steareth-1, steareth-2, steareth-3,steareth-4, steareth-6, steareth-8, beheneth-4, beheneth-8, PPG-1myristyl ether, PPG-2 myristyl ether, PPG-3 myristyl ether, PPG-1stearyl ether, PPG-2 stearyl ether, PPG-3 stearyl ether, PPG-10 stearylether, PPG-15 stearyl ether, PPG-2 behenyl ether, PPG-3 behenyl ether,PPG-4 behenyl ether and PPG-10 behenyl ether. Nonlimiting examples ofsuitable lower alcohols having from about 2 to about 6 carbon atomsinclude butanediol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2 hexanediol, and mixturesthereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable low molecular weight glycolsand polyols include ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (e.g.,Molecular Weight 200-600 g/mole), butylene glycol, propylene glycol,polypropylene glycol and mixtures thereof. A more detailed descriptionof carrier ingredients including suitable hydrocarbons, polysiloxanecompounds, and fatty alcohol ethoxylates can be found in U.S. Pat. No.5,643,588, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Suitable carriers further encompass waxes. As used herein, the term‘wax’ refers to oil soluble materials that have a waxy constituency andhave a melting point or range of above ambient temperature, inparticular above 25° C. Waxes are materials that have a solid tosemi-solid (creamy) consistency, crystalline or not, being of relativelow viscosity a little above their liquefying point. Suitable waxeswhich can be incorporated into the lotion composition include animal,vegetable, mineral or silicone based waxes which may be natural orsynthetic, and including mixtures thereof. Waxes can include but are notlimited to: natural waxes from vegetal origin, such as bayberry wax,ceresin, purcelline, Japan wax, lanolin wax, mink wax, spent grain wax,spermaceti wax, ceresine wax, fruit-derived waxes, such as orange wax,lemon wax, and bayberry wax, and the like; and waxes from animal originsuch as wool wax and the like. Natural waxes further comprise mineralwaxes such as ceresin wax. Synthetic waxes comprise petroleum-basedwaxes, such as certain carrier materials described hereinbefore, such asparaffin, Vaseline, petrolatum, micro wax, and microcrystalline wax.Further suitable synthetic waxes are polyalkylene and polyethyleneglycolwaxes, e.g. polyethylene wax; waxes based on chlorinated naphtalenessuch as ‘Halowax’, synthetic hydrocarbon waxes, and the like, PEG-6beeswax, PEG-8 beeswax, C₁₆-₂₈ alkyl dimethicone, synthetic Japan wax,synthetic jojoba wax, including mixtures thereof. Further suitable waxesare chemically modified waxes, in particular hardened or hydrogenatedwaxes such as, for example, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenatedjojoba oil, hydrogenated microcrystalline wax, jojoba esters, and thelike.

Other wax components can be certain fats (including C₁₂-C₁₈ mono-, di-and triglycerides), C₈-C₁₈ dialkyl(ene) ethers, C₈-C₁₈ dialkyl(ene)carbonates, C₈-C₁₈ dicarboxylic acids. Further wax components that canbe used are tri-C₈-C₁₈-alkyl citrates, e.g., tristearyl citrate,triisostearyl citrate, trimyristyl citrate, trilauryl citrate;ethyleneglycol di fatty acid esters, in particular the ethylene glycoldi-C₁₂-C₁₈-fatty acid esters, e.g., ethylene glycol dipalmitate,ethylene glycol dimyristate; the glyceryl di- or tri-C₁₂-C₁₈-fatty acidesters, e.g. glyceryl trimyristate, glyceryl tripalmitate.

Other suitable carriers include materials that act as solidifyingagents, including some of the materials described hereinbefore. Suitablesolidifying agent(s) in the lotion compositions of the present inventioncan function to help solidify the composition so that the composition isa solid at room temperature and has a melting point of at least 32° C.The solidifying agent may also provide a tackiness to the compositionthat improves the transfer by adhesion to the skin of the wearer.Depending on the solidifying agent selected, the solidifying agent canalso modify the mode of transfer so that the composition tends tofracture or flake off instead of actually rubbing off onto the skin ofthe wearer which can lead to improved transfer to the skin Thesolidifying agent may further function as an emollient, occlusive agent,moisturizer, barrier enhancer, viscosity enhancer and combinationsthereof. The solidifying agents can be selected from microcrystallinewax, alkyl siloxanes, fatty acid esters, alkyl hydroxystearates,branched esters (such as di substituted glycols with fatty acids, disubstituted glycols with hydroxystearates, di or tri glycerides, di ortri substituted citrates and di, tri, or tetra substitutedpentaerythritol), di substituted ethylene amides, low densitypolyethylenes, polystyrenes, polyamdies, alkoxylated alcohols andalkoxylated carboxylic acid, with a melting point of 40° C. or greater.Examples of suitable solidifying agents include, but are not limited to,the following: microcrystalline wax, C₃₀ alkyl dimethicone, C₂₄-C₂₈alkyl dimethicone, cerotyl dimethicone, stearyl dimethicone, cetyldimethicone, stearyl methicone, cetyl methicone, C₁-C₁₈ alkyl behenate,C₁₆-C₂₄ lactate, isopropyl lignocerate, ethylhexyl lignocerate, lauryllignocerate, myristyl lignocerate, isopropyl behenate, ethylhexylbehenate, lauryl behenate, tridecyl behenate, myristyl behenate, cetylbehenate, isostearyl behenate, ethylhexyl stearate, lauryl stearate,tridecyl stearate, myristyl stearate, cetyl stearate, isostearylstearate, stearyl stearate, behenyl isostearate, stearyl isostearate,cetyl isostearate, lauryl palmiate, myristyl palmitate, cetyl palmitate,stearyl palmitate, isostearyl palmitate, myristyl myristate, cetylmyristate, isotearyl myristate, stearyl myristate, behehenyl myristate,cetyl laurate, stearyl laurate, isostearyl laurate, behenyl laurate,octyidodecyl stearate; octyidodecyl stearoyl stearate, C₁₄-C₂₄ alkylhydroxystearate, stearyl benzoate, isostearyl benzoate, behenylbenzoate, di C₂-C₅ alkyl fumerate, stearyl lactate, behenyl lactate,ethylene glycol dibehenate ester, ethylene glycol distearate ester,ethylene glycol diisostearate ester, ethylene glycoldi(hydroxystearate), glycerol tribehenate ester, glycerol dibehenateester, glyceryl tristearate ester, glyceryl distearate ester, glyceryltriisostearate ester, glyceryl diisostearate ester, glyceryltri(hydroxystearate), glyceryl di(hydroxystearate), tribehenyl citrate,dibehenyl citrate, tristearyl citrate, distearyl citrate, triisostearylcitrate, diisostearyl citrate, tricetyl citrate, dicetyl citrate,sorbitan tetrabehenate, sorbitan tribehenate, sorbitan dibehenate,sorbitan tetrasteate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan distearate,sorbitan tetraisostearate, sorbitan triisostearate, sorbitandiisostearate, sorbitan tetrapalmitate, sorbitan tripalmitate, sorbitandipalmitate, sucrose tetrabehenate, sucrose tribehenate, sucrosedibehenate, sucrose, tetrastearate, sucrose tristearate, sucrosedistearate, sucrose tetraisostearate, sucrose triisostearate, sucrosediisostearate, sucrose tetrapalmitate, sucrose tripalmitate, sucrosedipalmitate, pentaerythrityl tetrabehenate, pentaerythrityl distearate,pentaerythrityl tetramyristate, pentaerythrityl tetrapalmitate,pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate,pentaerythrityl tetra(hydroxystearate), ethylene bisoleamide, lowdensity polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polyamides,polystyrene, poly(vinyl acetate), glycol montanate, fluoranated waxes,steareth-1, steareth-2, steareth-3, steareth-4, steareth-6, steareth-10,beheneth-1, beheneth-2, beheneth-3 beheneth-4, beheneth-8, ethyleneglycol monostearate, POE-2 monostearate, POE-3 monostearate, POE-8monostearate, propylene glycol monobehenate, ethylene glycolmonobehenate, POE-2 monobehenate, POE-3 monobehenate, POE-10monobehenate, and mixtures of such compounds.

In certain embodiments, the lotion composition can be substantially freeof water, meaning that water typically is not intentionally added to thelotion composition. However, small amounts of water may be present in aningredient of the lotion composition or as a result of humidity.Typically, a present lotion composition comprises less than 5%,preferably less than 1%, and more preferably less than 0.5%, by weight,water.

In preparing a lotioned catamenial device according to the presentinvention, the lotion composition can be applied to the outer surface ofthe absorbent article, such as, for example, the outer surface of thetopsheet. Any of a variety of application methods that distributelubricious materials having a molten or liquid consistency can be used,such as, for example, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,025 and U.S.Patent Appln. No. 2005/0208113. Suitable methods include but are notlimited to spraying, printing (e.g., flexographic printing), coating(e.g., gravure coating), extrusion, dipping, or combinations of theseapplication techniques, e.g., spraying the lotion composition on arotating surface, such as a calender roll, that then transfers thecomposition to the outer surface of the sanitary napkin topsheet.Additionally, the manner of applying the lotion composition to a portionof a catamenial device can be such that the substrate or component doesnot become saturated with the lotion composition. The lotion compositioncan be applied to the catamenial device at any point during assembly.For example, the lotion composition can also be applied to the outersurface of the topsheet before it is combined with the other rawmaterials to form a finished catamenial device.

In certain embodiments, the lotion composition does not have a tendencyto migrate to the interior of the topsheet to which it is applied.Therefore, less lotion composition is required to impart the desiredcoating and anti-fouling benefits. In certain embodiments, however, thelotion composition can be transferable to the skin of the wearer bynormal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat.

Lotions of the present invention facilitate fluid acquisition throughthe top sheet to the absorbent core of an absorbent article, and resistfouling of the topsheet and the skin of the wearer by the proteins,lipids, and carbohydrates present in menses. Non-limiting example lotioncompositions are illustrated in the following Examples 1-4.

Example 1

Component Trade Name Supplier Weight % Microcrystalline MULTIWAX W-835Sonneborn 17 Wax POE-4 Monolaurate PEGOSPERSE-200 ML Lonza 8 POE-8MYRJ-S8-SO Croda 10 Monostearate Zinc Oxide Premix¹⁾ Zinc Oxide PremixKobo 7 Fumed Silica CAB-O-SIL TS-720 Cabot 4 Petrolatum WHITE PROTOPET-Sonneborn balance 1S ¹⁾Zinc oxide premix contains 69.8% zinc oxide, byweight, dispersed in the mixture of isononyl isononanoate andpolyhydroxstearic acid.

Example 2

Component Trade Name Supplier Weight % Microcrystalline MULTIWAX W-835Sonneborn 14 Wax POE-4 Monolaurate PEGOSPERSE-200 ML Lonza 6 POE-8MYRJ-S8-SO Croda 7.5 Monostearate Lauryl Alcohol CO-1270 P&G 3 ZincOxide Premix¹⁾ Zinc Oxide Premix Kobo 7 Fumed Silica CAB-O-SIL TS-720Cabot 4 Petrolatum WHITE PROTOPET- Sonneborn balance 1S

Example 3

Component Trade Name Supplier Weight % Microcrystalline MULTIWAX W-835Sonneborn 14 Wax POE-4 Monolaurate PEGOSPERSE-200 ML Lonza 4 POE-8MYRJ-S8-SO Croda 4.5 Monostearate Fumed Silica CAB-O-SIL TS-720 Cabot 4Petrolatum WHITE PROTOPET- Sonneborn balance 1S

Example 4

Component Trade Name Supplier Weight % Microcrystalline MULTIWAX W-835Sonneborn 12 Wax POE-4 Monolaurate PEGOSPERSE-200 ML Lonza 4 POE-8MYRJ-S8-SO Croda 4.5 Monostearate Polypropylene PLURIOL P-4000 BASF 4Glycol-4000 Zinc Oxide Premix¹⁾ Zinc Oxide Premix Kobo 7 Fumed SilicaCAB-O-SIL TS-720 Cabot 4 Petrolatum WHITE PROTOPET- Sonneborn balance 1S

Example 5

Component Trade Name Supplier Weight % Microcrystalline MULTIWAX W-835Sonneborn 17 Wax C28 Alkyl Silwax Di5026 Siltech 6 Dimethicone POE-4Monolaurate PEGOSPERSE-200 ML Lonza 7.5 POE-8 MYRJ-S8-SO Croda 6Monostearate Zinc Oxide Premix¹⁾ Zinc Oxide Premix Kobo 7 Fumed SilicaCAB-O-SIL TS-720 Cabot 4 Petrolatum WHITE PROTOPET- Sonneborn balance 1S

Example 6

Component Trade Name Supplier Weight % Microcrystalline MULTIWAX W-835Sonneborn 12 Wax C30 Alkyl Silwax C41M90 Clariant 1 Dimethicone C28Alkyl Silwax Di5026 Siltech 6 Dimethicone POE-4 MonolauratePEGOSPERSE-200 ML Lonza 10 POE-8 MYRJ-S8-SO Croda 15 Monostearate ZincOxide Premix¹⁾ Zinc Oxide Premix Kobo 7 Fumed Silica CAB-O-SIL TS-720Cabot 4 Petrolatum WHITE PROTOPET- Sonneborn balance 1S

Example 7

Example 5 demonstrates that FT-IR measurements of lotion surface foulingshow that the lotions of Example 1 results in less surface adsorption ofprotein, carbohydrates, and lipids from a synthetic menstrual fluid ascompared to Known Lotion A and Known Lotion B.

Known Lotion A:

INGREDIENTS (wt %): Lanette 22 (Behenyl Alcohol) 8.92 Chamomile,phytoconcentrol oil 0.5 Petrolatum 80.28 Silicon Dioxide, treated 3.2Zinc Oxide Dispersion (71% ZnO) 7.1Known Lotion B:

INGREDIENTS (wt %) Beheneth-10 10 Lanette 22 (Behenyl Alcohol) 5.0Petrolatum 68.4 Silicon Dioxide, treated 3.5 Zinc Oxide Dispersion (71%ZnO) 7.1 PPG 4000 (Pluriol P4000) 6

A germanium internal reflection element was dipped into a 0.1% lotion inhexanes solution, air dried, and inserted into a standard-sizedflow-through Spectra-Tech cylindrical attenuated total reflection cell(CIRCLE™ cell). The cell was filled with water and a reference spectrumcollected. The FT-IR was set up to collect a spectrum every 0.3 of asecond and 40 milliliters of synthetic menstrual fluid was injected intothe water-filled cell using a syringe pump. Data collection was stoppedapproximately 5 minutes after the injection of synthetic menstrualfluid. FT-IR measurements were taken as set forth in Story, G. M. andMarcott, C., “Monitoring Enzyme Adsorption on Model Substrates UsingInfrared Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy.” Proceedings of the7th International Conference on Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, SPIE,1145, 145 (1989); and Story, G. M., Rauch, D. S., Brode III, P. F., andMarcott C.: “Infrared Analysis of Enzymes Adsorbed onto ModelSurfaces,”, ACS Symposium Series No. 447, Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy in Colloid and Interface Science, D. R. Scheuing, Ed.,American Chemical Society, 225, 1991.

FIGS. 2-4 show three plots of IR absorbance vs. time (min) showing thereduced amount of surface fouling compounds absorbed by the lotioncompositions of Example 1 compared to Known Lotion A and Known Lotion B.These results demonstrate that the lotion of Example 1 results in lesssurface adsorption of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids from asynthetic menstrual fluid as compared to Known Lotion A and Known LotionB.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid pervioustopsheet, said topsheet having an inner surface oriented toward theinterior of said absorbent article and an outer surface oriented towardthe skin of the wearer when said absorbent article is being worn; abacksheet joined to said topsheet, said backsheet having an innersurface oriented toward the interior of said absorbent article and anouter surface oriented toward the garment of the wearer when saidabsorbent article is being worn; an absorbent core disposed between saidtopsheet and said backsheet, said absorbent core having an inner surfaceoriented toward the skin of the wearer when said absorbent article isbeing worn and an outer surface oriented toward the garment of thewearer when said absorbent article is being worn; and a lotioncomposition applied to at least a portion of said outer surface of saidtopsheet; wherein the lotion composition exhibits an IR absorbance ofless than 10.0 for Carbohydrate adsorption and less than 0.8 for Lipidadsorption.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the absorbentarticle is a catamenial device selected from the group consisting of asanitary napkin, a tampon, and a pantiliner.
 3. The absorbent article ofclaim 1 wherein the absorbent article is a diaper, training pants, or anincontinence brief.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein thetopsheet is selected from the group consisting of a nonwoven materialand a formed film material.
 5. The absorbent article of claim 1 whereinthe topsheet is hydrophilic.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 1 whereinthe topsheet is hydrophobic.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 1 whereinthe lotion composition is applied in an amount of from about 0.01 gramsper square meter to about 100 grams per square meter of area covered bythe lotion composition.